SMU celebrates the graduation of the Class of 2019

30 Jul 2019

Singapore, 30 July 2019 (Tuesday) – Singapore Management University (SMU) kicked off four days of graduation celebration for the Class of 2019 today at the Opening Ceremony of SMU Commencement 2019. The ceremony, which was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Min-Liang Tan, co-founder, Chairman and CEO of global gaming hardware manufacturing company, Razer, was held on SMU campus today with 1,000 graduates, award winners, as well as family and friends of the graduates in attendance.

SMU Commencement marks the beginning of a new journey for SMU graduates. The 2,837-strong Class of 2019 comprises 1,877 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 912 Master’s degree and Juris Doctor degree graduates, and 48 Doctorate degree graduates. Among the Bachelor’s degree graduates, 60 of them will be receiving double degrees. Altogether, they represent SMU’s 16th batch of graduates since the University was established in 2000.

[Photo: (R-L) Mr Min-Liang Tan, Mr JY Pillay and Prof Lily Kong at the SMU Commencement Opening Ceremony held on 30 July 2019.]

Mr Eugene Tan Jin Han, who graduates with double degrees - Bachelor of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Management, was named the SPH Valedictorian. Mr Tan Rui Feng, who also graduates with double degrees – Bachelor of Business Management and Bachelor of Social Sciences, was named the SMU Salutatorian. Both stood out with their outstanding leadership skills, significant contributions to co-curricular activities and the community-at-large, good character records and excellent academic results (both achieved Summa Cum Laude).

Each year at the Commencement ceremony, SMU also recognises students from each School who have embraced the values of Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility, Collegiality, Leadership and Excellence with the CIRCLE Awards. Winners of the CIRCLE Awards are also distinguished by their all-round excellence in Student Life, Student Leadership, Community Service and Academic Studies. They have been actively involved in serving and giving back to SMU and the community at large. In addition, they have demonstrated leadership abilities, are upright in character, and well-respected by peers, staff, and faculty.

[Photo: SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping speaking at the SMU Commencement 2019 Opening Ceremony.]

Addressing 300 graduates from the School of Accountancy who were conferred their degrees this afternoon, SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping commented that they are entering the workforce during a time when the global economy is experiencing various challenges, including the potential of United States-China trade war, and a labour market with a dip in the availability of permanent jobs as opposed to fixed term contract jobs.

In his speech, he said, “This is the time when more than ever, you should remain positive and agile to the changing employment landscape as well as strong and resilient to any knocks you may receive. You should also be open to seizing opportunities outside of Singapore, as friction between the US and China may see more Chinese companies looking to expand in regional markets. There are also opportunities for fresh graduates in many sectors, so long as you are willing to learn, have an entrepreneurial mindset and are prepared to work in an environment of constant change and technological advancement.”

Mr Ho also expressed his appreciation to SMU Chancellor Mr JY Pillay who will step down from his role after this Commencement. “SMU has been most privileged to have Mr JY Pillay as our Pro-Chancellor for seven years and Chancellor for the last three years. An illustrious individual, Mr Pillay very generously gave us his invaluable advice and graced the University’s Commencement and Academic Year Opening Ceremonies. He has inspired not only our students, but also our faculty and staff,” he said.

[Photo: SMU President Prof Lily Kong addressing graduates and their families.]

In her remarks to the graduates, SMU President Professor Lily Kong urged the Class of 2019 to apply the University’s 4’I’s strategy of internationalisation, industry, innovation and integration in their own journeys ahead to help them reach their goals and dreams.

“First, Internationalisation – In the modern interconnected world, you will need to build on the global mindset that we have encouraged you to develop during your time here, furthermore, put the global exposure you experienced at SMU to good use, but be sure to build on it whenever you can. Second, Industry – SMU has honed you to be ‘job ready’, with relevant hard and soft skills, practical experience gained through internships, SMU-X projects and community service projects. Do not squander this advantage, work hard to constantly update and upgrade your skills through lifelong learning to ensure that you always have the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Professor Kong.“Third, Innovation – Always seek new challenges and opportunities, look for the best solutions, not just the easiest. Use your creativity to surprise, inspire and lead. Fourth, Integration – This is putting everything together to make meaningful impact. You have experienced a broad-based holistic and transformative education at SMU. Don’t let the world of work force you to narrow your perspectives. Maintain a balance between your career pursuits and personal development, and seek to add value in everything,” she added.

2019 Leave Your Mark campaign – supporting the education endeavours at SMU

Each year, through the Leave Your Mark campaign, the graduating class comes together to support their peers in need with a first gift. Since 2016, over $185,000 has been raised by three graduation cohorts and their families, which supported over 22 bursaries for undergraduates facing financial difficulties.

This year, the Leave Your Mark campaign has expanded beyond contributing to SMU bursaries to allow graduating donors to designate their gift in support of their respective School funds, which in turn supplement a myriad of financial support schemes that needy students can tap on to offset their university expenses. All graduating donors are also invited to pen a message – be it a ‘thank you’ note or an inspiring quote – which will be engraved onto individual metal plaques along with the donor’s name, and affixed permanently to the tables of seminar rooms. These meaningful messages from past graduates serve to inspire current students to continue to pay it forward.

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